7. Burning Milpa Summary

In Burning Milpa, in March the Mayan Indians burn their milpas. Heat rises up and smoke overtakes the village. It is an oven. Tigre gets excited to burn his milpa. He counts 23 fires in the north, south and east. Father says uncle will come and help Tigre. But uncle is delayed, so Tigre must burn the milpa by himself. Father says the wind gods will help him.

Tigre stands at the edge of the milpa and starts to burn it. The fire catches fast. Smoke is all around Tigre. The wind gods come and burn the milpa. The winds die down. Tigre looks at his milpa. The fire burns his face and ruins his clothes. He had a good burn.

Back at the house, Father states Tigre looks like he had a good burn. Tigre agrees.